The New York Altar Guild

A Philanthropic Organization Serving the Needs of Churches and Institutions throughout the Anglican Communion by providing Vestments and Altar Furnishings

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Statement of Purpose

The New York Altar Guild is has been dedicated for over 100 years to providing for the altar needs of the Cathedral, parishes, chapels, missions and related institutions in the Diocese of New York, and the wider Anglican Communion beyond. Our objective is to meet the needs of churches so that all persons can worship in dignity and beauty.

Activities

2017 Workshop

The New York Altar Guild workshop was held on April 29, 2017 at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, Manhattan. Seventy participants attended from 26 churches. The workshop was led by the Rev. Canon C. Allan Ford, Vicar St. Margaret’s Staatsburg, NY. Canon Ford’s presentation included the history and use of liturgical vestments, and the setting of the altar.

The Rev. Matthew Heyd, rector of the Church of the Heavenly Rest, presided at the noonday Eucharist. The service was followed by fellowship and lunch.

Altar Guild Reserve Closet

The New York Altar Guild maintains a Reserve Closet that serves as a clearing house for receiving and distributing vestments, altar linens and other furnishings. In addition, when parishes request items that are not available in the Reserve Closet, the Guild arranges for their purchase. See PDF tab: Request/Donate Form in the right column.

History

The New York Altar Guild was founded in 1903 to serve the chapels of prisons, children’s homes and hospitals. The original group of indomitable women struggled against city bureaucracy in their efforts to establish suitable places of worship in such institutions. The work soon extended beyond Diocesan boundaries in response to appeals from a variety of churches and church organizations, missions in this country and elsewhere, and even to transatlantic passenger ships. The group continues to respond to a wide variety of Church needs. We celebrated our 110th Anniversary in November 2013.

Membership

The New York Altar Guild welcomes new members, men and women, who share our vision and want to support our work. Meetings are held October through May, excluding December, at the House of the Redeemer, 7 East 96th Street, New York City.
Annual Membership Dues: Individual - $40; Patron - $75; Associate Altar Guild - $50 to $75. Individual Lifetime Membership available at $750. The New York Altar GuildMailing address:
P.O. Box 881,
Millbrook,
NY 12545 Phone: 845-677-6401 E-mail: nyaltarguild@dioceseny.orgReserve Closet maintained at The House of Redeemer 7 East 95th Street New York, NY 10128

Board Members

Honorary Member

Karen L. Sisk

New York Altar Guild 2019 Grant Cycle

Through its Grants Program established in 2013, the Guild assists parishes with larger projects in keeping with its mission. Such projects might include refurbishing an organ, new cabinetry in a sacristy, repair of stained glass, etc. The average grant awarded in the past has been in the neighborhood of $3,000; preference is given to proposals that address the needs of those parishes least able to help themselves.

The deadline for applications in the 2019 Grant Cycle is February 1, 2019. Awards will be announced following the Guild’s April Board Meeting. For further information, or to request a copy of the Guidelines and Application, please contact Sally Johnston, sally.e.johnston@gmail.com or (914) 319-6858 (cell).

The Guidelines and Application are also available on this website. See PDF tab above.